I had everything to do and so little time to do them. But secretly, I didn’t mind because deep down, I desired to hide behind my schedule as the reason why I couldn’t spend time in God’s Presence (or rather in the awareness of His Presence). Anytime I did squeeze my devotional somewhere in the day, I dreaded it and mainly did it out of obligation.

Confession. I don’t recall the last time I was in the Christmas Spirit…I didn’t want to wake up on Christmas morning only concerned about which foods to eat, what outfit to wear, and whether or not I purchased all the right presents.

Have you ever been in church singing a song like, “I give myself away” or “All I want is You” or “I love You with all of my heart,” and felt a tinge of conviction? Maybe I’m the only one who feels like this sometimes.

My grandmother called me during my first year of marriage and frankly told me, “The first 5 years of your marriage will build the foundation for how you and your husband operate for the rest of your marriage.”